ball_coach_1

John / Hookem / Skeeter, Really enjoyed all your posts. I told you I will have an open mind, and you have given some good opinions to think about in posts. After reading those past three, I can see all points being good ones. Not sure I have ever heard the stat about less people fishing, but I am not saying I doubt it either. My son is 2 1/2, and I took him on the boat in the late summer, and he actually carries around a stuffed bass I bought at BassPro Shop for Christmas. "Sish" - I love that. I want him to be in love with it as much as I am. The point of being "selfish" hit home a bit - I guess if I am against more being on the water in a certain way I am being a bit selfish. Thanks for the new insight fellas.

Interesting so far. Appreciate the initial replies. Think I am leaning towards the 'not so excited' about growing the sport. In my view, the most discouraging thing I ever face on the water - pressure. I have a hunch that all the current publicity is going to make fishing tougher for the weekend / 5 or 6 days a month fisherman. More boats - more traffic - more crowds at the ramps. I do see the business end of it, and for the professional fisherman, suddenly the purses and sponsors can go through the ceiling. But for 98% of us, that means absolutely nothing positive. Still keeping an open mind to views and opinions.

I am uncertain of how to take all of the recent publicity for bass fishing - especially all the TV time now given to the sport on ESPN (Bass Saturday). On one hand, I am pleased a great sport is getting the pub - maybe it gets kids interested in something that will keep them out of trouble elsewhere. Also, maybe it opens eyes to the preservation of the species and their habitats. BUT...on the other hand, I feel maybe it is NOT such a good thing. What if all the publicity gets more boats/lines/lures on the water. I see more boats on the water now than I want to see. Isn't more publicity going to create more pressure on waters that already have more than enough pressure? Doesn't that make for more poor days of fishing than good in comparison. I read all the time about the 'good ole days' when bass fishing was just getting started and the stringers were HUGE. Curious to read some opinions - certainly my mind will be opened to some others' thouhgts. Thanks.

I fish because I love it, but I am still in the hunt to be in the '10 lbs. club'. So, this week I am going to be sight fishing for bedding fish if possible. In short, I am going trophy hunting. I am ALWAYS catch and release, and if ever fortunate enough will be hanging a replica. But, I am curious on how many of you feel about fishing for fish on the spawn. My thoughts are fish for them, catch them, handle them carefully, get a length/weight/girth if needed, and get them back in the water safely and swiftly. Any thoughts out there? For, against, feel the same?

roadwarrior is hitting about all the things I have learned about fishing points. I enjoy fishing shallow water with jig, texas rigs, carolina rigs, and spinner baits. I ALWAYS try to find fish there. But when fishing is tough, especially early pre-spawn and the heat of the summer, I have to go and make myself find fish on points - cranking or carolina rigging are my preferences. Roadwarrior, what type of lakes (geographic area) do you fish? Any tips you have found fishing points effectively in tough times would be welcomed by me. Always looking to learn something - especially cranking if you do it much.

I grew up pond-hopping and fishing banks, and when my buddy and I got in high school, we use to put the 12' johny or canoe on top of the jeep and fish streams, creeks, little lake and ponds. These days I haul a boat wherever I go fishing, in fact, leaving today for Lake Seminole for a week. BUT, still my favorite times are going to my wife's family's ponds and BANK fishing. Something about that you just can't match, and usually is where I catch my better fish. Simple is many time better.

Good topic...enjoy reading what others plan on getting better at in comparison to their current strengths. I am going to FORCE myself to become more versatile with crankbaits - shallow and deep. The 'David Fritz' of the world catch fish everywhere with them, and use little or nothing else. Number two, like I have read a lot of others state, gonna work on the dreaded 'finesse' of drop shotting.

Glenn, I registered today after using surfing your site the past week or so. Hope I was 1000. If so, send the check ASAP. This site is awesome. Thanks for a place to go when it is cold and dark. My wife hates it already, so I know this is an awesome place. Thanks.